Aircraft Mechanics

Written by Robert Mac

Aircraft mechanics--those that are FAA-certified--can find work in general aviation maintenance, commercial airline maintenance, or in any of the highly specialized fields within the aircraft industry. And as the technology behind airplanes continues to advance, so does the need for qualified aircraft mechanics. The sooner you start studying for your certifications, the sooner you can find rewarding work as a mechanic.

An Option for Aircraft Mechanics: Colorado Northwestern

Colorado Northwestern Community College is one of many locations where prospective aircraft mechanics learn their craft. Using FAA-approved curriculum, CNCC emphasizes hands-on education, and has numerous airplanes (and a helicopter, too) for maintenance training. Their instructors are all FAA-certified and are pilots as well.

The two-year Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Colorado Northwestern covers the three most useful fields of aircraft mechanics. They are general maintenance, airframe maintenance (everything on the plane except the engine), and powerplant maintenance (the engine and related systems.) Airframe and powerplant maintenance are collectively called A & P.